Apparatus, systems and methods for indexed hydraulic roller lifters

ABSTRACT

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an indexed hydraulic roller lifter for use in internal combustion engines.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/342,017, filed May 26, 2016 and entitled “Apparatus, Systems andMethods for Improved Hydraulic Roller Lifters,” which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an indexed hydraulic roller lifter andassociated systems and methods. Namely, the disclosed embodiments relateto a hydraulic roller lifter having an indexed portion to reducefriction on the cam head and prevent rotation of the lifter.

BACKGROUND

Internal combustion engines (“ICE”) have been around for over 100 years.The ongoing need to improve performance in push rod engines is crucialif we are to reduce the effect of greenhouse gas emissions. Hydraulicroller lifters as opposed to hydraulic flat lifters can reduce frictionbetween the cam and the lifter thus increasing engine efficiency. Thisroller lifter must be indexed for the rollers to roll on the cam.

Most roller lifters are paired to accomplish this, however, to replacehydraulic flat lifters with roller lifters, pairing is not always anoption in existing engine blocks. Newer engine designs—someexperimental—have the lifter and rod assembly inside the engine,exposing them to coolant. There is need for an indexed lifter/rodassembly. This assembly will index the roller lifter with respect to thecam and protect the oil lubricant from being contaminated with the waterbased coolant.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One general aspect includes a hydraulic roller lifter, including alifter body having first and second ends; at least one indexing portionset into the first end; and a wheel disposed at the second end.Implementations may include one or more of the following aspects. Thehydraulic roller lifter further including a roller lifter tube. Thehydraulic roller lifter where the roller lifter tube defines a lumen.The hydraulic roller lifter where the lumen defines at least one indextab. The hydraulic roller lifter where the roller lifter tube ispress-fit into an engine block. The hydraulic roller lifter where the atleast one index tab is constructed and arranged to prevent rotationalmovement of the lifter body. The hydraulic roller lifter where the atleast one index tab is constructed and arranged to prevent rotationalmovement of the lifter body at the indexing portion. The hydraulicroller lifter further including a sleeve.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thedisclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which shows and describes illustrativeembodiments of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods. As will berealized, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are capable ofmodifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings anddetailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a prior art flat lifter on a cam.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a prior art roller lifter on a cam.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a further prior art roller lifter paired withanother lifter via a support.

FIG. 4 is a lower view of an engine block.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an indexed hydraulic roller lifter, accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an indexed hydraulic roller lifter, accordingto another embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of an indexed hydraulic roller lifter,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a further cross sectional view of an indexed hydraulic rollerlifter, according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 7C is a side view of an indexed roller lifter set inside an engineblock.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a prior art flat lifter.

FIG. 8B is a side view of an indexed roller lifter, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of an engine block showing anembodiment of the indexed roller lifter.

FIG. 8D is a further a cross-sectional view of an engine block showingan embodiment of an indexed roller lifter.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of an indexed rollerlifter having a sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various implementations disclosed or contemplated herein relate toindexed roller lifters used in internal combustion engines, includinghydrogen-powered engines. In various implementations, the discloseddevices, systems and methods relate to indexed roller lifters for use ininternal combustion engines. In certain implementations, these liftershave a housing having an indexed portion that abuts against the engineblock to prevent rotation. Several aspects and implementations of theselifters are described herein with reference to the figures.

Turning to the drawings in greater detail, a typical hydraulic “flat”lifter 10 is shown in FIG. 1. These flat lifters 10 have elongate,generally cylindrical bodies having a top end 11 and a bottom end 12having a solid round base 12. In these implementations, the base 12 isconstructed and arranged to “ride” on the cam 14 and cam lobe 16 as thecam shaft rotates.

That is, the cam lobe 16 and base 12 are in mechanical communicationsuch that the rotational movement of the cam 14 (shown at referencearrow A) via the cam shaft 18 brings the cam lobe 16 into alignment withthe lifter 10 base 12 so as to “raise” the lifter 10 relative to the camshaft 18, as is well understood in the art, and is shown by referencearrow B. One of skill in the art will appreciate the translation ofrotational to linear motion in these components.

It is further understood that in implementations like that of FIG. 1,the lifter 10 base 12 may have an angled, or biased base 12. That is,the angled base 12 is configured to impart a rotational bias duringlifter 10 movement relative to the movement the cam lobe 16. That is,while the lifter 10 is being urged away from the cam shaft 18 by the camlobe 16 (shown by reference arrow B), the angled base 12 is configuredto rotate the lifter 10 (shown at reference arrow C) a few degrees percam shaft 18 rotation (shown at reference arrow A). It is understoodthat this lifter rotation (again, reference arrow C) prevents the lifter10 from wearing in any one area. However, lifter rotation also producesfriction between the base 12 and cam 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, and according to various further implementations,certain hydraulic roller lifters 20 of are configured to reduce basefriction by way of wheels 22. In these implementations, in contrast tothe angled base configuration of FIG. 1, the roller lifters 20 havewheels 22 disposed at the base 12 to prevent the “rubbing” frictionobserved in those implementations.

In implementations like that of FIG. 2, the lifter 20 wheels 22 areindexed. That is, the wheels 22 are configured to allow them to passover or roll along the surface of the cam lobe 16. Accordingly, it isunderstood that in these implementations, the lifter 20 provides forwheel 22 against cam 14 contact, thereby reducing friction. It isfurther understood that these lifter 20 implementations allow for thelifter 20 to be lifted (as shown by reference arrow A) without rotationand losing the roller bearing advantage, while at the same timeproducing less friction and enhancing engine efficiency.

As shown in FIG. 3, these paired hydraulic roller lifters 20A, 20B inmany implementations. These lifters 20A, 20B of these implementationsare paired with a cross bar 24 disposed between the respective firstends 11A, 11B. It is understood that the cross bar 24 has beenconsidered necessary to keep the lifters 20A, 20B indexed to the cam(not shown). However, the need for a cross bar 24 has made it impossibleto install previous roller lifters 20 in some engines, such as the FordF-300 inline six cylinder and others. This is because the engine blocks40 of these implementations are typically cast with a cast iron ridge 42between the lifters, therefore leaving no room for the cross bars 24, asis shown in FIG. 4.

Turning to the indexed roller lifter 50 implementations, FIGS. 5-6depict various implementations of the indexed roller lifter 50. In theseimplementations, the indexed roller lifter 50 is an elongate cylindercomprising a housing or body 52, having a proximal, or “top” end 54 anda distal, or “bottom” end 56. The bottom end 56 in these implementationshas support portions 58A, 58B disposed at either side of, andsupporting, a wheel 22 via known means such as an axle. Because thewheel is positioned atop the cam in use, it is understood that the wheel22 reduces the friction and thereby improves efficiency and reduceswear. In this implementation, the indexed roller lifter is therefore ananti-rotation or indexing lifter that can be used on an individual valvesystem. It is understood that such a lifter can also be used when an oddnumber of valves is involved, such as a three valve head.

Continuing with the implementations of FIGS. 5-6 and 7A, the body 52also has at least one substantially flat, or planar indexing region 60disposed at the proximal end 54 on at least one side of the body 52. Incertain implementations, and as shown in FIG. 7A for example, indexingregions 60A, 60B can be disposed on either side of the body 52. Invarious implementations, these roller lifters 50 are constructed andarranged to be fitted into a lifter tube (shown in FIGS. 7A-B at 74). Inthese implementations, the lifter tube 74 is an elongate housing 74defining an internal lumen 64. In various implementations, the hydraulicroller lifter tube 74 is press fitted into the engine block 80 so thatit is properly oriented so the roller bearing or wheel 22 on the bottomof the indexed roller lifter 50 rolls smoothly on the cam 14, as will beexplained in detail hereafter.

In these implementations, the internal indexing tabs 72A, 72B aredisposed within the lumen 64 at the proximal end 64A. These indexingtabs 72A, 72B are constructed and arranged to pair with the indexingregions 60A, 60B of the roller lifter 50 so as to prevent roller lifter50 rotation within the tube 64 or lumen while allowing it to movevertically (shown by reference arrow B). It is understood that thelumen's proximal end 64A also features a lifter rod opening 61configured to allow the lifter rod 64 to operate through.

In these implementations, the tube or lumen 64 is indexed 72A, 72B andpress fit 74 into the engine block so the internal indexing tabs 72A,72B align with the indexing regions so as to orient the body 52 suchthat the wheels 22 are aligned with the rolling surface of the cam 14(as shown in FIG. 7A). One of skill in the art would appreciate that incertain implementations, the lifter tube 64 can be thereforeaffixed—such as by press fitting—so that the lifters can be replaced.

Further, with the hydraulic roller lifter tube 64 installed, a indexedroller lifter 50 can fit and be indexed (FIG. 7A) or a regular hydraulicflat lifter 10 will fit into the tube (FIG. 7B)—though longer push rods76A would be required. It is understood that it is advantageous for theuser to be able to utilize either form of roller lifter within the lumen64. It is further understood that in certain implementations, individualroller lifters 50 can be indexed by adding indexing portions 60 arrangedto align with any indexing tabs 72 of an installed tube 74.

It is understood that in implementations like those of FIGS. 5-6 and7A-B, the wheel 22 is free to rotate in either direction relative to thehousing, but is constrained to only “frontward” and “backward.” That is,in these implementations, the wheel 22 cannot pivot or otherwise rotatecoaxially with the body 52. FIG. 7A depicts a further implementation ofthe indexed roller lifter 50 disposed within the lumen 64. In theseimplementations, the lifter 50 has a wheel 22 and paired indexingregions 60A, 60B on either side of the body 52. In use, and as is shownin FIGS. 7A-7B, in these implementations, the hydraulic roller lifterlumen 64 comprises internal indexing tabs 72 disposed on the innersurface of the lumen 64 that are configured to prevent body 52 rotation.

In these embodiments, and as is also shown in FIG. 7A, the hydraulicroller lifter tube 64 is constructed and arranged to allow the necessaryoil 66 to enter the area of the lifter 50. In these implementations, itis understood that hydraulic indexed roller lifters 50 can be used. Inthese implementations, the oil 66 also provides lubrication for thehydraulic indexed roller lifter's 50 movement up and down, as would bereadily understood by the skilled artisan.

In the implementations of FIGS. 7A-B, and as is also shown in FIG. 7C,the indexed roller lifter 50 has a roller lifter tube 64 connectionportion 65 configured to allow the roller lifter tube 64 to be connectedto the engine block top inside portion 80A through an enclosure tube 82to totally enclose the push rod 76. When this enclosure tube 82 isinstalled the push rod (not shown) is isolated from the surroundingenvironment. This can allow the expansion of the water jacket in someengines. An example of one of one such engine is shown in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a typical prior art lifter 10, showing thebase 12 positioned over the cam 14 and cam lobe 16. FIG. 7B depicts oneimplementation of the indexed roller lifter 50, wherein the at least oneflat indexing region 60 is disposed at the top end 54 of the indexedroller lifter 50. It is understood that the flat indexing region isconfigured to abut against a corresponding planar indexing the inside ofthe hydraulic roller lifter tube 64 so that at least one flat indexingregion 60 is prohibited from rotating (because it is substantiallyplanar).

In various implementations, the indexed roller lifter 50 can be usedwith a protection sleeve 82 that would allow the push rod 76 to beisolated from the surrounding environment. As shown in FIGS. 8C-D, onesuch application is the passage of push rods through the water jacket 90of the engine block 80.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternate implementation of an indexed roller lifter50. In this implementation, the lifter 50 is a two portions, anindividual roller 100 body and a lifter sleeve 102. In theseimplementations, paired tabs 104 are fitted into elongate femaleopenings 106 so as to allow the movement of the roller portion 100relative to the lifter sleeve 102, as would be understood by one ofskill in the art.

It is understood that these implementations are used in very specificracing applications which has a key way to index the roller lifter. Thislifter 100 is not hydraulic and will need a separate oiling system tothe rocker arms (not shown). It is not compatible with any productionroller lifter and requires an offset of the push rod. This lifter 100 isalso installed into the top of the sleeve having no means of sealing. Invarious implementations, this indexed lifter 50 is installed into thehydraulic roller lifter tube 64 described above, thereby giving theoption for the lifter/rod assembly to be either completely sealed oropen.

In summary, a new design for use of roller lifters in engines has beenshown that can enhance engine performance in power, efficiency andlongevity.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hydraulic roller lifter, comprising: a. alifter body having first and second ends; b. at least one indexingportion set into the first end; and b. a wheel disposed at the secondend.
 2. The hydraulic roller lifter of claim 1, further comprising aroller lifter tube.
 3. The hydraulic roller lifter of claim 2, whereinthe roller lifter tube defines a lumen.
 4. The hydraulic roller lifterof claim 3, wherein the lumen defines at least one index tab.
 5. Thehydraulic roller lifter of claim 4, wherein the roller lifter tube ispress-fit into an engine block.
 6. The hydraulic roller lifter of claim5, wherein the at least one index tab is constructed and arranged toprevent rotational movement of the lifter body.
 7. The hydraulic rollerlifter of claim 5, wherein the at least one index tab is constructed andarranged to prevent rotational movement of the lifter body at theindexing portion.
 8. The hydraulic roller lifter of claim 1, furthercomprising a sleeve.